07/17/2006 9:23 PM - KANSAS CITY – Greg Jacobs opened the 2006 Northern League All-Star festivities in style, winning the league’s home run derby by blasting eight bombs in the final round on his way to 13 total shots. Later that evening, the National League Legends snuck past the American League Legends 2-1 in front of 5,996 fans at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

In the Home Run Derby, Jacobs and Charles Peterson showed the rest of the league why the T-Bones lead the league in home runs. The KC tandem hit their way into the final round with five long balls a piece in the first round. Jacobs, who hits .436 with 8 home runs at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, added eight more in the final round for the win. Winnipeg’s Jimmy Hurst and Fargo’s Jesse Hoorelbeke represented the West All-Stars in the second and final round. Other All-Stars competing in the event included Fargo’s Richard Austin who hit one home run, Schaumburg’s Eric Cole (2), Kansas City’s Craig Hurba (1), and Aaron McEachran who came up empty in the first round.

The evening’s athletic events concluded with a five-inning All-Star Legends game. The National League was represented by Bob Dernier, Randy Hundley, Pete Lacock, Steve Trout, Jay Johnstone, Lee Smith, Fergie Jenkins, and T-Bones Manager “Dirty” Al Gallagher. Their American League opponents included Joe Azcue, Al Fitzmorris, John Mayberry, Amos Otis, Willie Wilson, Vida Blue, George Brett, and team manager Buck O’Neil.

The American Legends struck first when Royals legend Amos Otis sent a pitch from Fergie Jenkins over the left field wall, giving his squad a 1-0 first inning lead. The National Legends responded in the next inning when Metro Sports anchor Mick Schaefer scored on a hit by Jay Johnstone, and added another run in the fourth when Kansas City resident Norm Whittmer scored on a fielder’s choice by Bob Dernier, ultimately sealing the American League Legends’ 2-1 win.

Festivities continue tomorrow across Kansas City. The Hyatt Crown Center will play host to the Northern League All-Star Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Buck O’Neil. The Northern League All-Star Game will take place at 7:05 Tuesday evening as the best of the West Division take on the beasts of the East at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Kansas City’s Jonathan Krysa (7-2, 3.62) will take the mound for the East All-Stars while Winnipeg’s Josh Beshears (6-2, 2.85) will get the start for the West.

– Kansas City T-Bones –